Man Utd's new Michael Carrick giving Erik ten Hag food for thought ahead of overhaul

Manchester United youngster James Garner has already been likened to Michael Carrick, and his exceptional season on loan at Nottingham Forest could see him become part of Erik ten Hag 's plans.

Garner has been a huge part of Forests' season, and they could return to the Premier League after a 23-year absence from the top flight. They face Bournemouth on Tuesday night to determine whether automatic promotion is still possible, or whether they must tackle the play-offs instead.

The loan star has scored four goals in 39 appearances from midfield, and was once dubbed as the 'new Carrick' by former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. And the Norwegian may still be right in his assessment, giving Ten Hag a decision to make this summer.

Solskjaer handed Garner his United debut back in February 2019, as he came on for Fred in the final minute of their 3-1 against Crystal Palace. And following the game, Solskjaer said: "He has a great future. He's in the same mould as Michael Carrick. It puts pressure on him to be compared to Carrick, but that is what it’s like to be at Man United."

And although Solskjaer was sacked by United at the end of last year, he clearly did what was best for Garner last summer. Solskjaer sealed Garner a late loan switch to Forest in August, and it's a move that's done wonders for all parties.

Solskjaer said ahead of his loan move: "I would definitely think Jimmy will go on loan. That's more or less done. He's done really well in pre-season and he's really impressed me, and I think for his career, another season, or another six months now to start with, playing regularly in the Championship will help him."

And Garner has thrived under Forest boss Steve Cooper, who is looking to achieve promotion after